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Steve Hixson
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (October 4) - The WHITE KNIGHT in a BLACK RACECAR Preston Graves picked-up his career first Super Late Model win Saturday night, at the Cleveland (TN) Speedway. Racing his way from a crash in heat # 2, the # 105 'Dockery Excavating, Vinson Sims Construction' sponsored Rocket / Britt Racing Engines powered MURPHY MAFIA henchman worked past pole-sitter / fast qualifier; 18 year old Cody Barnett for the $1,200. payday. The Murphy, NC based driver has seen his share of hard times in 2008, which include a flip at Cleveland's sister-track North Georgia Speedway earlier this Summer. This is Graves 3rd season racing SLM's and was quick to thanks his family, crew and friends. 'I couldn't do this without these guys, Scott, Connie and Bobby plus the rest of the family, which includes my mom and dad. We got a new Rocket chassis and its already a proven winner.'
Less than ten teams signed-in for competition, as most SLM's were in Woodstock or Talladega for racing. Barnett clocked quick-time and lead his 8 lap heat race, but action came to a haul in heat # 2 as leader Shawn Reece spun and collected the field in turn two, that included Graves. The leaders took the field to green and Graves patiently allowed Barnett to lead the opening laps of the 30 lap feature. Reece would fall from contention as Graves dug under Barnett for the winning pass around the half-way point. Jeff Franklin would finish third with Davy Davis and Scott Hall rounding out the Top 5 finishers. Cleveland Speedway and North Georgia Speedway are not racing this weekend so plans for racing the Southern Regional Racing series at Boyd's Friday, followed by entering Ray Cook's race at Crossville on Saturday are on the table. Graves finished just outside the Top 10 in Cleveland Speedway 2008 points and just behind Derek Ellis in 6th this season at N. GA.
Cleveland Speedway 10/4/08
Super Late Model $1,200. to-WIN - 30 Laps
1. Preston Graves (# 105) of Murphy, NC
2. Cody Barnett (# 18) of Ringgold, GA
3. Jeff Franklin (# J12) of Ten Mile, TN
4. Davy Davis (# D11) of Tunnel Hill, GA
5. Scott Hall (# 07) of Chatsworth, GA
6. Anthony Browder (# 81) of Old Fort, TN
7. Shawn Reece (# 16) of Harrison, TN
DNS. James Lay (# 33) of Blountville, AL
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